#Bosphorus Strait

[illustratus]

Golden Horn by Ivan Aivazovsky

#ivan aivazovsky #art #marine #golden horn #waterway #bosphorus #istanbul #constantinople #turkey #asia #europe #bosporus #waters #ships #boats #bosphorus strait

[turkeyblogblr]

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey: The Bosporus or Bosphorus Strait is a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in Istanbul, Turkey. The Bosporus connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and forms one of the continental boundaries between Asia and Europe. It also divides Turkey by separating Anatolia from Thrace. Wikipedia

#Bosphorus Strait #Istanbul #Turkey

[emaadsidiki]

Bosphorus Strait ༺❉❉༻ Istanbul Turkey

#Bosporus #Ocean #Ferries #Ship #Crude Oil Tanker #Cloudy Sky #Marmara Sea #Konyali Restaurant #Cafe #Topkapi Palace #Restaurant #Bosphorus Strait #Istanbul #Turkey

[kyndaris]

The Rise and Fall of Empires

After an uneventful day of transit, we landed quite late in Turkiye and were rushed quickly to dinner before we pulled in at the hotel that we would be staying at in Istanbul: the Pullman. On the two hour flight from Cairo to Istanbul (for most of the day, we simply sat around the hotel before hopping onto the coach that would deliver us to the airport at 10AM), I managed to watch Bullet Train and tick off the chaotic but fun movie from my long list of films that had looked interesting but I hadn’t bothered to go into the cinemas to actually well...watch.

In any case, by the time I had showered and fallen asleep on the soft bed at the Pullman, it was quite late and we had an early start the next day.

At about 6:35AM, I was rudely awoken by a morning wake-up call and served as a reminder that I was late! Popo and I came down for a hurried breakfast before boarding the coach that would take us around the ancient city of Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was previously known during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

We arrived at our first stop for the day: a decently sized marine vessel, just before 9AM. Hopping on, we enjoyed a cruise around the Bosphorus Strait, providing us with excellent views of the city of Istanbul. It should be known that the city straddles the bridge between Europe and Asia and has proven to be a pivotal beacon throughout most of history. It played a key role in Christianity before it fell to the Ottomans and became an Islamic stronghold. 

As such, the history of Constantinople is really a history of the world, as well as a symbol of the West’s relationship with the East.

But back to a recount of my trip there!

It was unfortunate that we had arrived in the city in March. The weather was still quite cool and after a good thirty minutes, I felt quite frozen to my spot on the upper deck and quickly sought shelter from the fierce wind.

After our trip on the high seas, our ship pulled into port near the Dolmabahce Palace. In Chinese, the palace is often called the “New Palace” as it was built in and around the mid 1800s and was in use for approximately 70 years until the 1920s when Turkiye became independent. 

The style of the Dolmabahce Palace, although commissioned by an Ottoman Sultan, was very European in design. However, this was soon explained by the fact that the architect for the palace had studied in France and had helped build similar types of buildings all across Europe.

Still, the decorations inside the palace was a lot different to the ones I’d seen before in France and Austria. A shame, really, that photos were not allowed as I could show you rather than be forced to describe what I saw. Even though there were a few other tourists that took quite a few ‘subtle’ photographs of the rooms and the grand ceremonial hall.

Most notable, at least to me, were the paintings that lined the walls. Most of them depicted famous battles the Turks partook in. Another interesting piece of interior design that caught my eye was the crystal staircase, with the crystal primarily being the supporting columns of the banister. 

Down in the old storage cellars, too, the palace sported numerous displays full of utensils compromised of Bohemian and Baccarat crystals. They also had Mosser glass, which the internet tells me can cost thousands of dollars because of their high-quality construction. Another location in the heart of the palace had displays for medals, weapons and Hokka sets. 

But it should be noted that the palace also had similar trappings as its European counterparts such as the gilded halls, lavish drapings, huge mirrors, as well as beautiful chandeliers. Which will serve as useful material for my future writings although I lack photos for reference.

After touring the Dolmabahce Palace, we had a quick lunch in a spot that was, no doubt, frequented for its water views and which served as a popular fishing spot.

With our stomachs full of grilled fish, we headed to the Grand Bazaar, established all the way back in 1481 according to the plaque out front. There, we roamed the shops and I exchanged some Australian and American dollars into Turkish lira. And though there was a leather jacket I dearly wanted to purchase, my funds, unfortunately, did not have enough stretch to allow me to buy it out right. Nor did I want to risk using my debit card for fear that the details would be stolen and used for nefarious purposes.

Good riddance, I say! I didn’t want it anyways...

Maybe...

Gosh, I do wish I had bought that reversible leather jacket!

Once I had established how useless I was at haggling, we headed to the Blue Mosque, which sat opposite the Hagia Sophia. Due to ill luck, visiting on a Friday of all days, the Blue Mosque was closed by the time we arrived. It was also undergoing renovations. This fact angered one member of the tour group who was quite rude and aggressive to our tour guide for fear that we would miss out on all the key locations on the itinerary. 

What he didn’t know, of course, was that the itinerary had already been rejigged when we had paid a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace earlier and we would have plenty of time upon our return to Istanbul to take a gander around a mosque if we so wished (which did happen, although it wasn’t the Blue Mosque!).

Undaunted by the trantrum thrown, the tour guide continued to tell us about the Roman Hippodrome that had been constructed in the heart of Istanbul and why the only signs of its presence was the obelisk that had been taken from Karnak Temple. Of course, we had already seen its twin when we visited Karnak Temple several days ago when we had given Egypt a whirl. Score one for a well-planned trip!

We then headed to the Hagia Sophia, which was initially built as a Church following the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity. The Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque when the Turks took the city. When Turkiye became independent, it served temporarily as a museum before being converted back into a mosque.

And to think that such a sight had been built in a mere 5 years!

True, a lot of the material, such as the Grecian columns used to support the roof, had been recycled from older buildings like a Temple to Artemis in the Ephesus region, but it still looked and felt like a marvel of engineering and vision.

The day ended with dinner at a doner kebab place before we headed back to our hotel for another long day ahead. Although, this time, we would mostly be on the road.

#travel blog #turkey #istanbul #constantinople #grand bazaar #bosphorus strait #dolmabahce palace #hagia sophia #hippodrome

[traveler-roadmap]

EN | The Pearl of Turkey ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a city with a rich and complex history that spans more than 2,500 years. It is located in the northwest of Turkey, straddling the Bosphorus strait that separates Europe and Asia. The city has served as a major cultural, economic, and political center for centuries, and has been known by many different names throughout its history.

In ancient times, the city was known as Byzantium, after the ancient Greek colony that was founded there in the 7th century BCE. The city was later renamed Constantinople in the 4th century CE, after the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, rebuilt it as the new capital of the Roman Empire. During the Byzantine era, Constantinople was one of the most important cities in the world and was renowned for its wealth, culture, and architecture.

...

READ MORE 👉 traveler-roadmap.com

#Istanbul #Turkey #history #culture #architecture #tourism #Ottoman Empire #Byzantine Empire #Bosphorus strait #Hagia Sophia #Topkapi Palace #Grand Bazaar #modernization #industrialization #Pera Palace Hotel #cosmopolitan #economy #finance #infrastructure #modern architecture #museums #art galleries #cafes #skyscrapers #airport #bridges #modern metropolis

[fiction-quotes]

Slowly, dawn was breaking. Streaks of colour – peach bellinis, orange martinis, strawberry margaritas, frozen negronis – streamed above the horizon, east to west. Within a matter of seconds, calls to prayer from the surrounding mosques reverberated around her, none of the synchronized. Far in the distance, the Bosphorus, waking from its turquoise sleep, yawned with force. A fishing boat headed back to port, its engine coughing smoke. A heavy swell rolled lanquidly towards the waterfront. The area had once been graced with olive groves and fig orchards, all of which were bulldozed to make way for more buildings and car parks. Somewhere in the semi-darkness a dog was barking, more out of a sense of duty than excitement. Nearby a bird chirped, bold and loud, and another one trilled in return, though not as jovially. A dawn chorus. Leila could now hear a delivery truck rumble on the pockmarked road, hitting one pothole after another. Soon the hum of early morning traffic would become deafening. Life at full blast.

  —  10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World (Elif Shafak)

#book quotes #magical realism #psychological fiction #elif shafak #10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world #description #setting #turkey #istanbul #bosphorus strait #senses #morning #dawn #sky #colours #islam #mosques #boats #sea #cities #animals #dogs #birds #traffic

[turkeytrips]

Why You should have Tourism in Istanbul in October

Why You should have Tourism in Istanbul in October

Istanbul never fails to please visitors, no matter the season. Some people think that the summer is the best time to go, but in reality, the best time for most people and tourists is when traffic is less backed up. As a result, most people and tourists think that October is the best month to visit the wonderful ancient city because prices are lower, traffic is less backed up, and the weather is…

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#Best Of Turkey #Bosphorus Strait #Galata Tower in Istanbul #Ortakoy Area #Places for Tourism in Istanbul in October #Places to visit in turkey #Princess Islands #Things to do in Turkey #things to do in turkey in October #Tourism in Istanbul #Tourism in Istanbul in October #tourism in Istanbul turkey

[chicago-geniza]

Saw a clip where Bill Gates is saying 2 degrees C of total global temperature rise isn't all that significant and I'm sitting here like buddy a 2-degree global temperature rise is why there are Bronze Age settlements at the bottom of the Bosphorus Strait

#It's why there's a Bosphorus Strait period #It cleaved mainland Europe apart from Asia #Dude???

[mijamija1234]

View of the Bosphorus straits

#gate #travel #Turkey #vacation #Bosphorus straits

[travelingare]

📍Istanbul, Turkey.

Photography amazingly captures the vibrant energy and rich history of Istanbul, Turkey. This magnificent city, spread over two continents, is a tapestry of centuries of cultures, colors and heritage. Istanbul, where East meets West, is a city unlike any other. Its skyline is adorned by the majestic Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque, symbols of the city's deep historical roots. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a maze of colors and scents. Here, every alley and shop is a treasure trove of handicrafts, spices and textiles.

The Bosphorus Strait, a vital waterway, not only separates Asia and Europe but also offers some of the most picturesque views of Istanbul. A ferry ride on the Bosphorus is a must-do experience. Immerse yourself in the charm of the different neighborhoods of Istanbul. From historic Sultanahmet to modern Beyoğlu, each area tells its own unique story. Istanbul's cuisine is as diverse as its heritage. Try traditional Turkish delights, savory kebabs and fresh seafood, a real feast for the senses.

As the sun sets, watch the city transform into a golden hue. The silhouette of minarets and domes against the evening sky is a sight to behold.📸@mstfatyfn

#lifestyle #myuploads #aesthetic #travel #travelingare #photography #architecture #istanbul #turkey

[famousinuniverse]

Bosphorus Bridge, İstanbul, Turkey: The Bosphorus Bridge, known officially as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and colloquially as the First Bridge, is the oldest and southernmost of the three suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey, thus connecting Europe and Asia. The bridge extends between Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi. Wikipedia

#Bosphorus Bridge #İstanbul #Turkey

[illustratus]

View of Leandrovsk tower in Constantinople by Ivan Aivazovsky

#ivan aivazovsky #marine #art #romanticism #leandrovsk tower #tower #constantinople #boats #water #byzantine #byzantines #byzantium #leander's tower #tower of leandros #bosphorus #bosphorus strait #turkey #istanbul #the maiden's tower #watchtower #ottoman #ottomans

[turkeyblogblr]

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey: The Bosporus or Bosphorus Strait is a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in Istanbul, Turkey. The Bosporus connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and forms one of the continental boundaries between Asia and Europe. It also divides Turkey by separating Anatolia from Thrace. Wikipedia

#Bosphorus Strait #Istanbul #Turkey

[emaadsidiki]

Bosporus from the balcony of Topkapi Palace

#Bosporus #Ferries #Clouds #Ocean #Sky #Marmara Sea #Cloudy Sky #Seabirds #Topkapi Palace #Bosphorus Strait #Istanbul #Turkey

[dracula-dictionary]

Dracula Dictionary, July 18th

Varna: a large city in Bulgaria, on the coast of the Black Sea

Whitby: a seaside town in the north of England

silver sand: a fine white sand used in gardening

Bosphorus: The Bosporus Strait, cuts through Istanbul to connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara

Backsheesh: a tip, or a bribe paid to expedite services

Dardanelles: a strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the Mediteranean Sea

Cape Matapan: the southernmost point of Greece

larboard: the left side of a ship

eight bells: referencing the ship's bell that is rung to time watches, with eight strikes per four hour watch. likely meaning 8pm here

deck-house: a cabin on top of a ship's deck

companion-way: a stairway or ladder that leads from one deck to another

bows: the frontmost point of a ship

hatchway: an opening in the deck

allay: calm, put to rest

stem: the most forward part of the bow

stern: the backmost part of the ship

handspike: a wooden bar, typically used in a capstan to raise the anchor

helm: the ship's wheel for steering

abreast: side by side

#finally some good words that actually need explaining #words failed me on the handspike though so you get a picture #dracula daily #re: dracula #dracula dictionary #18 july #dracula daily 18 july #dracula dictionary 18 july

[argumate]

“Russia wanted to turn the Black Sea into a big Russian lake. But Ukraine reversed it,” said Volodymyr Dubovyk, the director of the Center for International Studies at the Odesa Mechnikov National University. “Russian ships today don’t venture into the northwest of the Black Sea.”

This cover has enabled Ukraine to improvise a sea corridor that begins in Odesa and hugs the safe shores of NATO members Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey as ships travel southwest en route to the Bosphorus Strait, through which most Black Sea trade passes. Exploiting a bumper crop, Ukraine is now exporting as much grain—corn, wheat, and barley—as it did before the war, as well as other goods, and has opened its Odesan ports for nighttime business to handle yet more.